The Path to Independence: Comparing Hawaii and the Philippines

The history of colonialism in the Pacific is a fascinating yet complex subject. Two notable territories were colonized by the United States around the same period: Hawaii and the Philippines. Despite sharing similar experiences under European influence, the outcomes for Hawaii and the Philippines were quite different. This article aims to explore why the Filipinos were able to assert their independence while the Hawaiians were not.

Colonial Background and Population Dynamics

Hawaii and the Philippines were both grappling with colonial influences in the late 19th century. The Hawaiians, originally from Tahiti, had a particularly violent encounter with the original inhabitants of the Hawaiian islands, who were harshly subjugated. Interestingly, the Hawaiians were discovered by English explorers, which spared them the brutality that their island cousins, the Filipinos, experienced.

As of 1898, the population of the Philippines was approximately 6.5 million, while Hawaii had a population of around 154,000, with many non-natives, including Americans, Japanese laborers, and others.

Colonial Control and Economic Factors

The economic control of Hawaii by the Americans was a crucial factor. The U.S. easily gained control of the islands' economy, leading to a power imbalance where a coup could be staged without external assistance. This stark contrast to the Philippines highlights the nature and depth of colonial relationships.

The Philippines, on the other hand, was under Spanish control for centuries before the Americans took over following the Spanish-American War. The victory over Spain led to the Philippines gaining independence shortly thereafter. A similar dynamic can be seen in Cuba, another territory freed from Spanish rule by the Americans. After the Spanish-American War, other territories like Puerto Rico and Guam were retained by the U.S., which still remain under American sovereignty as of 2021.

Historical Context and Discovery

Hawaii was first discovered by British explorer Captain James Cook in 1778. However, Spanish historians contest this and assert that Captain Ruy López de Villalobos may have discovered the islands in 1542, based on reports from native accounts of European visitors. Regardless, within five years of Cook's arrival, European military technology had arrived in Hawaii, enabling King Kamehameha I to unify the islands into one kingdom. Subsequent European settlement led to increased unrest and the eventual abolition of the monarchy, leading to the formation of the Republic of Hawaii.

In 1898, the government of Hawaii agreed to join the United States, becoming the Territory of Hawaii. They officially became a state in 1959.

Political Aspirations and Public Sentiment

The different outcomes for Hawaii and the Philippines can be attributed to several factors, including political aspirations and public sentiment. The Philippines, while favored by American public opinion due to their interest in independence, were granted their freedom because U.S. policymakers were not eager to establish a worldwide empire similar to those of Britain or France. Public opinion in the Philippines generally supported independence, which resonated with the American public's sympathies.

In contrast, when Hawaii was an independent republic, the Hawaiian government attempted to request annexation by the United States. A deal was struck, leading to Hawaii's eventual annexation. This explains why Hawaiian independence has never been considered seriously.

To summarize, the Philippines were granted their independence because they desired freedom from colonial rule, whereas Hawaii actively sought to be annexed by the U.S., leading to its eventual incorporation into the American state system.

Understanding the unique historical contexts and relationships between these territories provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of colonialism and decolonization in the Pacific.